ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Legislative Agenda
November 18, 2010
7:30 p.m.
I.
Call to Order
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
B.
III.
Cross Country State Qualifiers – Grace Chang and Brian Craft
"Learning Beyond the Classroom at Penncrest" – presenters: Mr. Gregg,
Mr. Bell, Miss Garvin, Miss Meltz, Mr. Miller, Mrs. Rice-Spring, and Mr.
Stango
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
VI.
Legislative Meeting of October 28, 2010
Bid Opening Minutes – November 3, 2010 - Acoustical Music Shell
Educational Presentation
A.
V.
Roll Call
Presentations and Awards
A.
IV.
Pledge of Allegiance
Student Liaison Reports
Board Liaison Reports
Committee Highlights and Reports
School Reports
Superintendent’s Report
Solicitor’s Report
President’s Report
Scheduled Presentations (Limited to Five Minutes Each)
A.
Agenda
RTMEA – Sue Williamson
1
November 18, 2010
VII.
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
A.
VIII.
Old Business
A.
IX.
None
New Business
A.
B.
C.
X.
Rose Tree Media Residents
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
3.
General
a.
Classification Change
b.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
c.
Degree Advancement
d.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
e.
Supplemental Contracts – See Attachments A and B
f.
Create New Position
Overnight Trips
1.
Penncrest High School Ski Club – Sugarbush, VT
2.
Penncrest High School Boys’ Cross Country Team – Penn State
University
3.
Penncrest High School Cheerleaders – Orlando, FL
4.
Penncrest High School Track & Field Team – Penn State University
5.
Penncrest High School Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Team – Lewes, DE
6.
World Language German Immersion – Jamison, PA
7.
Penncrest High School Track and Field Team – State College, PA
Policies
1.
Policy #218.1 Weapons – First Read – See Attachment C
Finance
A.
B.
Agenda
Purchasing
1.
Main Machine Proposal
2.
Bid Award – Acoustical Music Shell – Penncrest High School
General
1.
Dennis Cini – Proposal for 2011-2012 Capital Projects Plan
2.
Change Orders
3.
Settlement Agreement
2
November 18, 2010
C.
D.
XI.
Financials for October 2010
Bill lists for October 2010
Adjournment
ANNOUNCEMENT
There will be an executive session of the School Board for matters of personnel at
6:30 p.m. prior to the Legislative Meeting of December 16, 2010, at Penncrest High
School. The Legislative meetings are recorded on tape.
Agenda
3
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610-627-.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
I.
Grace A. Eves, Board Secretary
Director of Management Services
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D., Superintendent
Grace A. Eves, Board Secretary
October 28, 2010
Minutes of the October 28, 2010 Legislative Meeting
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Board Members in Attendance:
John Hanna, President
Veronica Barbato
Peter Barry
Linda Kinsler-Fox
Nancy Fronduti
Nancy Mackrides
William Montgomery
William O’Donnell
Jeffrey Pettit
Roll Call
Students:
Daniel Belk
Ashley Paul
Alexa Clofine
Jaclyn Turet
Also in Attendance:
Ron Baldino, Super. Maint. & Oper.
Pat Barta, Supervisor Spec. Ed.
Bill Bennett, Principal, Indian Lane Elem.
Eric Bucci, Asst. Principal, PHS
Linda Bluebello, Director of Pupil Services
Anne Callahan, Dir. Human Resources
Bernadette Dacanay, Home & School Visitor
Karen Daugherty, Principal, RTE
Bill Dougherty, Principal, Glenwood Elem.
Susan Evans, Asst. Principal, PHS
Grace Eves, Dir. Management Services
Rick Gregg, Principal PHS
Ron Harris, Network Specialist
Ralph Harrison, Asst. Principal, PHS
Heather Henise, Accountant
Joanne Horan, Reading Supervisor
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
Anthony Jackowski, Ass’t. Principal SLMS
Mack Johnson, Management Specialist for
SMS and FMS
Thomas Kelly, Solicitor
Denise Kerr, Superintendent of Schools
Maria Kotch, Principal, Media Elem.
Bonnie Kinsler, Supervisor of Transportation
Patti Linden, Dir. Information Sciences
Chip Oligner, Athletic Dir., Penncrest
Katherine White, Ass’t. Principal SLMS
1
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
Legislative Meeting Minutes of September 23, 2010
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mrs. Kinsler-Fox seconded a motion to adopt
the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2010-2011 – 29
Resolve, that the Board approve the Legislative Meeting Minutes of
September 23, 2010.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair,
the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
B.
John Hanna, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry,
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides,
William Montgomery, William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
Bid Opening Minutes of October 11, 2010 – Acoustical Music Shelf
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt
the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2010-2011 – 30
Resolve, that the Board approve the Bid Opening Minutes of
October 11, 2010.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair,
the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
III.
John Hanna, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry,
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides,
William Montgomery, William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
Presentations and Awards
A.
Rick Gregg, Principal of the Year, Presentation by Patrick J. Caligiuri,
Financial Services Representative from MetLife Resources-PA, Region
69Q from Plymouth Meeting will present Mr. Gregg a banner for being
chosen Principal of the Year.
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
2
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
IV.
Educational Presentation
A.
V.
Writers Workshop – Glenwood Elementary School
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Student Liaison Reports
Board Liaison Reports
Committee Highlights and Reports
School Reports – In Official Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
Superintendent’s Report – In Official Legislative Minutes of
October 28, 2010
Solicitor’s Report – In Official Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2010-2011 – 31
A.
B.
Sherwin, Michael D. and Nestler, Susan M. (3 Cherry Street,
Media Borough) Real Estate Tax Assessment Appeal – Year
2008-2011
Riddle Memorial Hospital (Rothman Institute) West Baltimore
Pike, Middletown Township – 2010 and 2011
Resolve, that the Board approve the Solicitor’s requests for
authorization to settle the above tax assessment appeals in
accordance with Attachment No.1 and Attachment No. 2 in the
October 28, 2010 Solicitor’s Report, in Official Legislative Minutes
of October 28, 2010.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the
Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
John Hanna, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry,
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti,
Nancy Mackrides, William Montgomery
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
3
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
G.
VI.
Scheduled Presentations (Limited to Five Minutes Each) - None
A.
VII.
RTMEA – Sue Williamson
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
A.
VIII.
President’s Report – In Official Legislative Minutes of
October 28, 2010.
Rose Tree Media Residents – None
Old Business
A.
None
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
4
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
2.
3.
Terminations - None
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
General
a.
Classification change
b.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
c.
Degree Advancement
d.
Rescind Supplemental Contacts
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a
motion to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2010-2011 – 32
Resolve, that the Board approve the following:
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
1.
Christina Sigismondi, Substitute Cafeteria Worker,
resignation effective September 17, 2010.
2.
Ronald Dewees, 2nd Shift Custodian, Springton
Lake Middle School, resignation, effective October
1, 2010.
3.
Patricia
Miller,
Bus
Aide,
Transportation,
resignation, effective October 11, 2010.
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
5
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
1.
Louise Naismith, Career Coordinator for the 20102011 school year at the rate of $25.00 per hour. Ms.
Naismith is assigned to Penncrest High School.
2.
Recommend Board approval for the following
Penncrest personnel to serve as Night School
Teachers for the 2010-2011 school at the rate of
$40.00 per hour:
Mark Samilenko
Amy Tricome
3.
Ed Somers
Recommend Board approval for the following
Penncrest Personnel to serve as PSAT Prep
Teachers at the rate of $75.00 per session:
Meghan Cristaldi
4.
Robert Simpson
Mark Williams
Michael LoBiondo
AnnMarie Johnson, Homebound Instructor for the
2010-2011 school year at the rate of $45.00 per
hour. Ms. Johnson is assigned to Rose Tree and
Media Elementary Schools.
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
6
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
5.
John LaCreta, Long Term Substitute Guidance
Counselor, effective October 21, 2010 at the annual
salary of $55,791, Master’s+40/Step 1, pro-rated to
the end of the first semester. Mr. LaCreta received
his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from West
Chester University and also received a Master’s
Degree from Webster University. He is assigned to
Indian Lane Elementary replacing Jessica Hilden
who is on leave.
6.
Susan Coyne, Homebound Instructor for the 20102011 school year at the rate of $45.00 per hour.
7.
Kim Enterlin, Homebound Instructor for the 20102011 school year at the rate of $45.00 per hour.
a. Non-Instructional
1.
Nancy Sands, Substitute Cafeteria Worker, effective
September 23, 2010 at the rate of $10.34 per hour.
2.
Katherine Ballard, (.5) Support Staff II, Personal
Instructional Assistant, effective October 20, 2011 at
the rate of $15.40 per hour. Ms. Ballard is assigned
to Indian Lane Elementary School. This is a new
position.
3.
Katherine Johnson, (.5) Support Staff I. effective
October 29, 2010 at the rate of $12.18. Ms. Johnson
is assigned to Rose Tree Elementary School. This is
a new position. NOTE: Ms. Johnson is being hired
pending completion of her pre-employment
paperwork.
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
7
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
a.
Classification Change
1.
Brenda Wolters from Substitute Cafeteria Worker to
Cafeteria Trainee effective September 20, 2010 at
the rate of $10.87 per hour. Ms. Wolters is assigned
to Springton Lake Middle School replacing Helen
Pron who resigned.
2.
Ronald Andrew Shortall, from Summer Maintenance
to 3rd Shift Custodian effective October 4, 2010 at
the rate of $16.95 per hour. Mr. Shortall is assigned
to Penncrest High School replacing Amber Gibson
who was reassigned.
3.
Sharon Trader, from Substitute Bus Driver to
Regular Bus Driver effective September 21, 2010.
Ms. Trader is replacing Denise Roach who is on
leave.
4.
Noreen Plotts, from Substitute Cafeteria Worker to
Cafeteria Trainee effective September 10, 2010 at
the rate of $10.87 per hour. Ms. Plotts is assigned to
Springton Lake Middle School replacing Diane
DiMartino who resigned.
5.
Anna Charlton, from Substitute Cafeteria Worker to
Cafeteria Trainee effective September 23, 2010 at
the rate of $10.87 per hour. Ms. Charlton is
assigned to Springton Lake Middle School replacing
Judy Giduck who resigned.
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
8
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
b.
c.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
1.
Rebekah Grover requests an unpaid leave of
absence for the purpose of child rearing effective
January 13, 2011 through June 30, 2011.
2.
Anjali DelPrato requests an unpaid leave of
absence for the purpose of child rearing effective
February 11, 2011 through June 30, 2011.
3.
Ryan Lewis requests an unpaid leave of absence
Degree Advancement
1.
Recommend board approval of the following
personnel for Degree Advancement and adjust their
salaries accordingly effective August 30, 2010:
Todd Brown
Kylee Bucci
Shawna Cliff
Elizabeth Coulter
Kristen Curry
Laura Diksa
H. DouglasGarrett
Nancy Going
C. Grace-Green
Tracy Hatton
Robert Higgins
Lisa Lobitz
Brian Lynch
Concetta Mattioni
Amanda Meltz
Carin Newsome
Ali Perilli
Rachel Pinsley
Jody Ruckle
Jennifer Simmons
Jeremy Smith
Dana Vellios
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
Master’s+20/Step 13
Master’s+20/Step7
Master’s+20/Step 7
Master’s+40/Step 9
Master’s+20/Step 9
Master’s+40/Step 7
Master’s+20/Step15
Master’s+60/Step 15
Master’s+20/Step 9
Master’s+20/Step 11
Master’s+40/Step 13
Master’s+20/Step11
Permanent/Step 7
Master’s+40/Step 15
Master’s+20/Step 3
Master’s+20/Step14
Master’s+20/Step 11
Master’s+20/Step 9
Master’s+20/Step 12
Master’s+20/Step 9
Permanent/Step 7
Master’s+60/Step 5
9
$77,722
$57,622
$57,622
$69,586
$61,860
$64,208
$90,270
$96,867
$61,860
$66,912
$85,487
$66,912
$47,382
$93,437
$52,712
$82,875
$66,912
$61,860
$71,963
$61,860
$47,382
$65,892
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
IX.
Finance
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
1.
Rescind appointment of Melissa McGowan as
Assistant Varsity Field Hockey Coach. Ms.
McGowan worked for 10 days for a salary of
$546.15.
2.
Rescind appointment of Tiffany Bendistis as After
School Detention Supervisor, Springton Lake Middle
School.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by
the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
John Hanna, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry,
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti,
Nancy Mackrides, William Montgomery,
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
10
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
e.
Supplemental Contracts
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded
a motion to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2010 – 2011 – 33
Resolve, that the Board approve the following:
1.
Carol Shapero, Intramural Leader for the 2010-2011
school year at the rate of $20.80 per hour. Ms.
Shapero is assigned to Media Elementary.
2.
Jean McPheeters, KIDS Club Sponsor for the 20102011 school year at the annual salary of $1,352.00.
Ms. McPheeters is assigned to Rose Tree
Elementary.
3.
Desiree Barnes, (.5) New Teacher Mentor for the
2010-2011 school year at the annual salary of
$568.00. Ms. Barnes is assigned to Rose Tree
Elementary.
4.
Lotalinda Castro-Anderson, from 1.0 Chinese Club
sponsor to (.5) Chinese Club Sponsor at the annual
salary of $447.00.
5.
Jeanette Verdeur, Chorus Sponsor for the 20102011 school year at the annual salary of $1,192.00.
ms. Verdeur is assigned to Media Elementary.
6.
Charles Keeler, (.5) New Teacher Mentor for the
2010-2011 school year at the annual salary of
$568.00. Mr. Keeler is assigned to Glenwood
Elementary.
7.
Sharon Williams (.5) New Teacher Mentor for the
2010-2011 school year at the annual salary of
$568.00. Ms. Williams is assigned to Springton Lake
Middle School.
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
11
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
e.
Supplemental Contracts (cont’d)
8.
Christine Dano, (.5) New Teacher Mentor for the
2010-2011 school year at the annual salary of
$568.00. Ms. Dano is assigned to Rose Tree
Elementary.
9.
Douglas Gramo, Detention Supervisor, Springton
Lake Middle School at the annual salary of $710.00.
10.
Kevin Reilley, Detention Supervisor, Springton Lake
Middle School at the annual salary of $710.00.
11.
Keith Sharp, Art Club Sponsor for the 2010-2011
school year at the annual salary of $312.00. Mr.
Sharp is assigned to Glenwood Elementary.
12.
William Stack, (.5) Chinese Club Sponsor for the
2010-2011 school year at the annual salary of
$426.00. Mr. Stack is assigned to Springton Lake
Middle School.
13.
Recommend Board approval for the following
Springton Lake Middle School personnel to serve as
Intramural Instructors for the 2010-2011 school year
at the rate of $27.00 per hour:
Jacqueline Baker
Martha Gumienny
14.
William Carr
Recommend Board approval for the following
Penncrest High School personnel to serve as Event
Chaperones for the 2010-2011 school year at the
rate of $55.00 per event:
Sean Hobdell
Greg Jacobs
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
12
Colleen Hoy
Caroline Perry
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
e.
Supplemental Contracts (cont’d)
15.
Svitlana Duffy, Support Staff II, to serve as Event
Chaperone for the 2010-2011 school year at the
rate of $18.33 per hour. Ms. Duffy is assigned to
Penncrest High School.
16.
Holly Clark, (.5) EnviroChallenge Club Sponsor for
the 2010-2011 school year at the annual salary of
$426.00. Ms. Clark is assigned to Rose Tree
Elementary.
17.
JoAnn Podlaski, (.5) EnviroChallenge Club Sponsor
for the 2010-2011 school year at the annual salary
of $426.00. Ms. Podlaski is assigned to Rose Tree
Elementary.
18.
Recommend Board approval for the following Indian
Lane Personnel to serve as Club Sponsors for the
2010-2011 school year:
Bridget Martin
Shirley Huebner
Nancy Novello
Jaclyn Arbutina
Abby Burke
Andre Washington
Karen Pawlewicz
Sue Hendrixson
Emily Ferdon
Tracy Hatton
Judy Dimaio
Martha Phillips
Kathleen Devine
Karen Pawlewicz
Jaclyn Arbutina
Sue Hendrixson
Jaclyn Arbutina
Karen Pawlewicz
Julia Friedgen
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
13
Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking
Homework
Homework
Homework
Homework
Homework
Homework
Homework
Homework
Homework
Homework
Storyboard
Student Council
Student Council
Student Council
Knitting
Knitting
Board Games
$ 284.00
$ 284.00
$ 142.00
$ 426.00
$ 426.00
$1,136.00
$ 426.00
$ 426.00
$1,136.00
$1,136.00
$1,136.00
$1,136.00
$ 284.00
$ 149.00
$ 142.00
$ 149.00
$ 426.00
$ 426.00
$ 426.00
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
e.
Supplemental Contracts (cont’d)
19.
Angel Barry, (.5) New Teacher Mentor for the 2010-2011
school year at the annual salary of $568.00. Ms. Barry is
assigned to Glenwood Elementary.
20.
Angel Barry, Walking/Running Club Sponsor for the 20102011 school year at the annual salary of $284.00. Ms.
Barry is assigned to Glenwood Elementary.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by
the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
John Hanna, Veronica Barbato,
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti,
Nancy Mackrides, William Montgomery
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
NAYS:
None
ABSTAIN: Peter Barry
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
14
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
f.
Salary Change
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a
motion to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2010-2011 – 34
1.
Recommend Board approval for the increase in pay
to $16.00 per hour effective October 31, 2010 for
the following District personnel who serve as
Reading Tutors at Media Elementary:
Kathleen Hogan
Melissa Sabatino
The aforementioned resolution was declared
adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
John Hanna, Veronica Barbato,
Peter Barry, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides,
William Montgomery,
William O’Donnell. Jeffrey Pettit
None
15
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
IX.
New Business
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
1.
2.
3.
4. Overnight Trips
Penncrest Girls Cross Country – Hershey, PA
Penncrest Boys Cross Country – Hershey, PA
Student Leadership Club – Worlds End State Park, PA
Penncrest Wrestling Team – Nokesville, VA
Spanish Language Immersion – Costa Rica
French Exchange Cultural Immersion – Avignon, France
Latin Department Cultural Immersion - Italy
5. Penncrest Course Selection Guide for 2011-2012
6. Addendum – Personnel
Nominations – None
Terminations – None
General
a.
Other
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt
the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2010-2011 – 35
1.
Penncrest Girls Cross Country – Hershey, PA
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to Hershey,
PA, for the Penncrest High School Girls Cross Country team on
November 5-6, 2010.
2.
Penncrest Boys Cross Country – Hershey, PA
Further resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to
Hershey, PA, for the Penncrest High School Boys Cross Country
team on November 5-6, 2010.
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
16
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips (cont’d)
3.
Student Leadership Club – Worlds End State Park, PA
Further resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to
Worlds End State Park, PA, for the Penncrest High School
Student Leadership Club on November 6-8, 2010.
4.
Penncrest Wrestling Team – Nokesville, VA
Further resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to
Nokesville, VA, for the Penncrest High School Wrestling team on
December 10-11, 2010.
5.
Spanish Language Immersion – Costa Rica
Further resolve, that the Board approve the Spanish Language
Immersion overnight trip to Costa Rica on April 9-17, 2011.
6.
French Exchange Cultural Immersion – Avignon, France
Further resolve, that the Board approve the French Exchange –
Language/Cultural Immersion overnight trip to Avignon, France,
and Paris, France, on April 9-22, 2011.
7.
Latin Cultural Immersion - Italy
Further resolve, that the Board approve the Latin Department
Cultural Immersion overnight trip to Italy on June 29-July 8, 2011.
C.
Penncrest Course Selection Guide
Further resolve, that the Board approve the Penncrest Course Selection
Guide for 2011-2012, including new courses entitled Success in Reading
II, Linguistics II, and Chinese II.
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
17
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
IX.
New Business
D.
Addendum – Personnel
1.
2.
3.
Terminations - None
Nominations - None
General
a.
Other
Further resolve, that the Board approve a payment of
$3,000 to Richard Gregg, Principal at Penncrest High
School, in recognition of being awarded Principal of the
Year by the Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and
Secondary School Principals.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by
the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
John Hanna, Veronica Barbato,
Peter Barry, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides,
William Montgomery, William O’Donnell,
Jeffrey Pettit
None
18
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
A.
B.
Purchasing - None
General
1.
2.
C.
D.
Budgetary Transfers
Haivision VideoFurnace Multimedia Video over IP Distribution
System
3.
Agreement with Infradapt, LLC
4.
CritiCare Nursing Services
5.
Austill’s Rehabilitation Services
6.
Contract with Valley Forge Educational Services (Vanguard
School)
7.
Contract with Valley Forge Educational Services (Vanguard
School)
8.
Relocation of District Wide Data Center
Financials for September 2010
Bill Lists for September 2010
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2010-2011 – 36
Resolve, that the Board approve the following:
1.
Budgetary Transfers
FY 11-8 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Pupil Services – Purchased Professional &
Technical Services
$2,294.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Pupil Services – Purchased Property Services
$2,294.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for AED, Automated External
Defibrillator, updates.
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
19
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
IX.
Finance
B.
General
2.
Haivision VideoFurnace Multimedia Video over IP Distribution
System
Further resolve, that the Board approve the Proposal from IMS
Audio / Visual to provide a Haivision VideoFurnace Multimedia
Video over IP Distribution System in an amount not to exceed
$76,942.42. This system will be installed at Springton Lake
Middle School. See Attachment A in Official Legislative Minutes
of October 28, 2010.
3.
Agreement with Infradapt, LLC
Further resolve, that the Board ratify the agreement with
Infradapt, LLC, for the purpose of providing professional services
for Rose Tree Media School District’s Asterisk telephone system.
See Attachment B in Official Legislative Minutes of
October 28, 2010.
4.
CritiCare Nursing Service
Further resolve, that the Board approve the contract with
CritiCare Nursing Service for substitute nursing services as
needed during the 2010-2011 school year.
5.
Austill’s Rehabilitation Services
Further resolve, that the Board approve to renew the contract with
Austill’s Rehabilitation Services for Physical Therapy for the 20102011 school year.
6.
Contract with Valley Forge Educational Services (Vanguard
School)
Further resolve, that the Board approve a contract for one
student, JS, to receive educational services from Valley Forge
Educational Services at The Vanguard School for the 2010-2011
School Year. The student has significant disabilities and is in
need of this specialized educational setting to address specific
learning difficulties. The annual tuition rate for the 2010-2011
school year is $43,700.00. Last year’s tuition rate was
$42,000.00.
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
20
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
B.
General (cont’d)
7.
Contract with Valley Forge Educational Services (Vanguard
School)
Further resolve, that the Board approve a contract for Dr. Jessy
Sandoval-Barrett
to
provide
comprehensive
psychiatric
evaluations for identified students on an as needed basis. The
hourly fee is $200.00 with a typical evaluation totaling five (5)
hours.
8.
Relocation of District Wide Data Center
Further resolve, that the Board approve the relocation of the
District Data Center from the Education Center to Springton Lake
Middle School.
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
21
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
C.
D.
Financials for September 2010
Bill lists for September 2010
Further resolve, that the Board approve the following:
Financial Reports
September
September
September
September
2010
2010
2010
2010
Treasurers Reports
Investment Reports
Summary Expenditure Status Report
Revenue Status Report
Bill Lists
September
2010 General Fund Bill List
$ 3,336,762.43
September
2010 Imprest Fund Bill List
7,533.00
September
2010 Bond Series 2004 Bill List
$
September
2010 Bond Series 2007 A & B
$ 1,008,975.01
September
2010 Activities/Special Revenue Fund $
326,152.28
11,022.88
$ 4,690,445.60
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the
vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
John Hanna, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry,
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti,
Nancy Mackrides, William Montgomery
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
22
November 18, 2010
APPENDIX X
XI.
Adjournment
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2010-2011 – 37
Resolve, that there being no further business to come before the Board, the
meeting was adjourned.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote
being:
AYES:
NAYS:
John Hanna, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides, William Montgomery
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
______________________
Grace A. Eves
School Board Secretary
II. Legislative Minutes of October 28, 2010
23
November 18, 2010
ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
EDUCATION CENTER
Bid Opening Minutes
November 3, 2010
A bid opening was held on November 4, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. in the Education
Center, 308 North Olive Street, Media, PA 19063.
Present were: Grace Eves, Board Secretary, Roxanne Schupp, Supervisor
Business Office and Donna Rottenberk, Business Office Witness. No bidders
were present.
Bids in the following category were opened and read by Grace Eves:
One (1) Acoustical Music Shell
Stageright Corporation
Clare, MI 48617
Wenger Corporation
Owatonna, MN 55060-0448
Bids will be tabulated and presented to the Board of School Directors.
________________
Grace A. Eves
Board Secretary
II. Bid Opening
1
November 18, 2010
III.
Presentations and Awards
A.
Cross Country State Qualifiers – Grace Chang and Brian Craft
Resolve, that the Board present Grace Chang and Brian Craft the
Rose Tree Media Award. Grace finished 5th in the League, 6th in
the County, 33rd in the District and 99th in the State Cross Country
Championships. Brian placed 6th in the League, 8th in the County,
33rd in the District and 116th in the State.
III. Presentations and Awards
1
November 18, 2010
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
SCHOOL REPORT’S – NOVEMBER 2010
GLENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Library
Glenwood library technician Kathy Cook participated in the first session of the 2010-11
Delaware County Book Review Program at Upper Darby High School. Publishers provide
copies of brand new titles, and librarians may keep those books they review. Mrs. Cook
obtained twenty recently-published titles for the Glenwood library, including non-fiction,
novels, and picture books valued at over $300.00!
The Glenwood PTG sponsored a book fair in November. Students attended the book fair
during their regularly-scheduled library classes and bought great books at a 25%
discount. Parents also visited the fair and made many purchases for the holidays—great
timing, because “a book is a gift you can open again and again.”
Kindergarten
Kindergarten spent part of their Halloween celebration visiting the residents of Lima
Estates. They dressed up in their costumes and paraded through the nursing home.
They sang songs and recited some Halloween poems. A good time was had by all!
Grade 1
First grade is in the full swing of things now! The first graders at Glenwood have started
learning concepts and strategies for addition and subtraction in Math. We continue to
learn to be good citizens in a community in Social Studies while we focus on the things in
our life we are thankful for and how to treat them all with respect and kindness. The first
graders have learned how to work in a Reading Workshop and are now focused on
strategies readers use while reading to make sure they are reading with fluency and
comprehension. They are continuing to write “Pattern Books” in Writing Workshop and
are publishing their own pattern books for the classroom libraries. As in years past, the
first graders will hold their “Thankful Feast” right before the Thanksgiving break to show
their appreciation for all of the adults who help our school run smoothly, including aides,
special area teachers, and custodians, just to name a few.
School Reports
1
November 18, 2010
Grade 2
The 2nd graders at Glenwood were reminded of the meaning of Thanksgiving by having a
friendly feast. The second graders shared snacks, read a Thanksgiving story and shared
reasons that they're thankful this year.
Grade 3
Students continued to soak up their 100 Book Challenge books during independent
reading time. We've completed a data collection and graphing unit in math, and we're
moving on to brushing up our addition and subtraction skills. In science, some of the
classes are beginning their study of electricity and magnetism.
Grade 4
In language arts we are working with small groups in reading. Some whole class read
alouds that we are enjoying are Because of Winn-Dixie and Charlotte's Web. In Math we
are exploring graphing, probability, and addition/subtraction strategies. Mr. Dieter's class
has started Motion and Design in science. They are learning about physics by designing
vehicles out of Kinex. Mrs. Seaner, Mrs. Barry, and Mrs. Grace-Green's class are
exploring the social sciences and geography concepts in Social Studies. The staff from
Tyler Arboretum will be coming in the next two weeks to do a post-lesson with the
students about ecology. The students really enjoyed their trip to Tyler! Mrs. Seaner has
received a Smart Board and is using it every day. Mrs. Barry is excited for her Smart
Board to arrive soon.
Grade 5
The Language Arts Steering Committee has decided that an effective way to help
teachers improve their reading instruction is to provide targeted mini lessons for teachers
throughout the year. To determine the exact nature of these mini lessons, a survey
breaking down many of the parts of a successful reading instructional plan was
developed. This survey was then given to teachers in November. The Language Arts
Steering Committee then analyzed the data and developed appropriate mini lessons for
each of the buildings.
Music
The fifth graders have been preparing for several performance events in December.
On Dec. 8, at 7:00 p.m., some of our fifth graders will be joining Indian Lane and Media
Elementary to sing at Media Borough’s Winter Fantasy Celebration. Our Winter Fantasy
Chorus will be performing songs of the season on the courthouse steps. Carriage rides
and hot chocolate will be available at the Celebration, provided by the Media Borough.
On Dec. 14, the Fifth Grade Chorus will give a Winter Concert at Glenwood. There will be
two performances: an all-school assembly at 2:30 p.m. and an evening concert at 7:30
p.m. Both performances will be held in the cafeteria. On Dec. 23, at 2:00 p.m., all
classes will participate in the Annual Holiday Sing-a-Long.
parents and friends are invited to this event.
Health
Since we are approaching the time of year when colds, the flu, and sore throats abound,
Mrs. Taylor, Glenwood’s school nurse, visited each classroom to review with all students
key actions to help prevent the spread of infection. These include: thorough hand
School Reports
2
November 18, 2010
washing or the use of hand sanitizer; keeping hands away from eyes, nose, and mouth;
and practicing good respiratory etiquette--remembering to cover a cough or sneeze with a
tissue or sleeve. We hope to keep Glenwood as healthy as possible this school year.
INDIAN LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kindergarten
Kindergarten students at Indian Lane are getting ready for Thanksgiving. They are
discussing families, writing about their favorite Thanksgiving food, creating "shape
turkeys", and graphing the number of each shape used. Kindergarten students will
participate in a "Fall Fun Day" on November 18th. This day will be filled with fall crafts,
snacks, and games! Happy Thanksgiving!
First Grade
The first graders are working hard during reader’s workshop to add to their reading
toolboxes. They are building a bank of strategies to read the tough words they encounter
during independent reading time. The first grade is working on writing. We are getting
ready to have another publishing event for our writers to display their talents. The first
graders are working with geometry during math. The children are learning about the way
shapes relate to one another. We are working on creating quilt patterns by repeating
designs.
Developmental Primary
All students in Room 5 have been working hard
these past few months! Each student is working on
his/her individual goals and we are all practicing our
social skills and manners. Our 5th grade mentors,
from Mrs. Hendrixson’s class, have helped us read
books, make crafts, and write stories. Here is a
picture of the hallway display that our buddies
helped us create. On the display, you will note
paragraphs about the occupations children would
like to pursue in the future and life-size illustrations
of students dressed in the clothes of their choice
occupations. We are learning a great deal in
Developmental Primary!
Second Grade
Second grade took a walking tour of Media as part of their communications unit. The
students used their map skills to navigate, read maps while touring, and visited a number
of historic and community buildings throughout the borough.
Second graders will be
making scarecrow book report mobiles to learn about story elements. They will decorate
fall harvest items and a scarecrow to provide details about each story element. Their
beautiful mobiles will be displayed in their classrooms.
School Reports
3
November 18, 2010
Third Grade
Indian Lane Elementary's third grade art classes traveled to the Franklin Institute on
October 28th to view the Cleopatra exhibit. The third grade art curriculum highlights art
through time. The students enjoyed seeing the many artifacts that had been excavated
from beneath the ocean's floor. One of the divers was visiting the exhibition during our
tour and offered his autograph. A good time was had by all at the Franklin Institute!
Fourth Grade
The fourth grade at Indian Lane had the opportunity to participate in a forest ecology
program sponsored through Tyler Arboretum. The program is part of a grant from the
USDA Forest Service awarded to Tyler. Part of the grant included an education program
to be given to fourth graders in the district. There are three components to the program: a
pre-visit, field trip, and post-visit and discussions on forest gaps and regeneration; deer
and their effects on the forest; tree/shrub planting; and forest layers. The program is a
good supplement to the fourth grade study of ecosystems.
Fifth Grade
Eight students in Mrs. Hendrixson’s class mentor younger students in Ms. Geisel's
Developmental classroom. They prepared stories, activities, and writing projects to help
the younger students. Students in both classes greatly benefit from this program. The
feedback from the teachers and aides has been excellent. It helps to build a strong
community.
Red Ribbon Week
Indian Lane participated in Red Ribbon Week where each student and staff member
received and wore their red ribbons to bring awareness to drug and alcohol prevention.
Although not directly involved in emphasized activities, students were taught the
importance of being committed to substance abuse prevention starting at a young age.
Pride Assemblies
We continue to have our monthly Pride Assemblies where we recognize students for
achievements in 100 Book Challenge, Citizenship and other noteworthy
accomplishments. This month, our Art teacher, Katie Devine, recognized several
students for their outstanding cooperation and creativity in Art class.
Mindpower Assembly
Students in grades 3-5 attended a Mindpower Memory assembly which showed them
how to maximize their memory abilities and true potential to improve their overall
academic performance. Our students were amazed and impressed as they learned to
apply Memory Expert and Student Success Coach Robinn Lange’s memory secrets. Kids
were taught to remember, recall and recite details and information that they thought to be
impossible just minutes earlier. Hopefully, this is our secret weapon that students will be
able to use for conquering PSSA!
Halloween
Our ever-popular Halloween parade went off without a witch…I mean hitch. Our little
ghosts and goblins enjoyed the beautiful afternoon by parading outside on the soccer field
School Reports
4
November 18, 2010
to the ghostly tunes provided by Mr. Boyle and company. Parents enjoyed the variety of
costumes and each class enjoyed refreshments and games afterwards.
Read In
Our fourth and fifth grade boys participated in a morning Read-In where they brought their
dads, uncles or special friends and earned extra steps toward their 100 Book Challenge
goal. Breakfast was served and a good time was had by all.
Community Service
In support of Philabundance, Penncrest student council requested the support of Indian
Lane students and families in the Great Food Fight Competition. Each class was asked
to collect cans and cash to be measured in pounds to battle hunger. Mrs. Haskell's 4th
grade students collected nearly 600 pounds of food in cans and cash for the Great Food
Fight Class donation competition. CJ Cassey and other student council students came
and prepared a fabulous breakfast as a reward for raising the most pounds of food for
one class.
MEDIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Media Days and Knights
Lords, ladies, knights, and jesters (the Media staff) escorted our students to Media’s
annual Fall Masquerade (Halloween Parade). Many parents joined us and a good time
was had by all. Classroom parties followed the parade. The children got a preview of our
Halloween theme when Lady Cecelia Beaumont came to visit earlier in the month.
Huzzah!!
Harvest Fair
Our PTG’s best attended event is The Harvest Fair. This year was no exception. Families
played games, walked the “spooky trail”, decorated pumpkins, and enjoyed some tasty
treats. The Harvest Fair is an annual tradition that seems to get better each year.
Kindergarten Ice Cream Social
Our kindergarten families came to an Ice Cream Social hosted by the PTG. We tested
their children’s literature “IQ” with a fun quiz. And, of course, we gave lots of prizes.
Families were asked to complete a survey about their Media experience thus far. The
comments were very positive.
November 2 In-Service Day
Our staff had a busy day on November 2. Literacy coach, Tracey Fritch, met with grades
Kdg.-1 about writing workshop. Other grades worked on planning for differentiated
instruction and remediation using test data. In the afternoon, Dr. Christopher McGlinn
presented “Practical Strategies for Managing Difficult Behaviors in the Classroom.”
Grade levels also met to review data and/ or meet with our math and reading specialists.
New Clubs
We are very happy to have added several new clubs, co-sponsored by parents and
teachers, this year. Chess Club (taught by chess master, Dr. George Chressanthis),
School Reports
5
November 18, 2010
Board Game Club, and Craft Club are brand new this year. Chinese Club and Tech Crew
are in the planning stages. Intramurals (fitness club) recently concluded.
Delaware Valley Minority Student Achievement Consortium
Sandy Gruber, Carol Shapero, Jeanette Verdeur, and Maria Kotch attended “Connecting
Our Diverse Families: Building Family Engagement by Valuing Parents’ Dreams.” The
presenter was Eileen Kugler.
Red Ribbon Week
During Red Ribbon Week, people everywhere wore red ribbons to show their commitment
to creating a safe and illegal drug free environment. As part of this observance, all staff
and students at Media Elementary School wore red ribbons and created a school-wide
bulletin board project, “Hugs, Not Drugs” to display their commitment to a safe
community. In addition, morning broadcasts covered topics such as the historic relevance
of Red Ribbon Week, how people can make choices in the actions they take and the way
they behave, and how decisions and choices we make today affect our future. A
generous donation by one of our families provided red apples for all students.
Mock Election
Our students were able to cast a vote in a mock election during our morning news
broadcast. Using the website, polleverywhere.com, they could see their votes being
counted. Corbett (Governor) was the school election winner.
Field Trips
Kindergarten went to The Media Theatre for a performance of Hansel and Gretel. Second
grade went to The Tyler Arboretum and on a walking tour of Media. Third grade went to
Lankenau Hospital for a lesson on the human body. At Lankenau, students saw a life like
model with a talking skeletal and circulatory system in addition to many other interactive
and educational displays.
Jennifer Nadler from The Barnes Foundation joined Mrs. Maxwell’s art classes for a
lesson on realistic and abstract portraits.
Owl Week
Hoot! Hoot! October 18-22 was Owl week in the first grade at Media Elementary.
Students researched owls and participated in owl activities throughout the week. On
Friday, teachers collaborated and co-taught lessons to create an OWL DAY that would
encompass all academic subjects. Students rotated from class to class to learn about
different hoots and screeches, to read books about owls, to solve story problems with
owls, to engage in SMARTBOARD activities, and to dissect owl pellets. The children
described the educational experience as “a real hoot.”
Community Day
Second grade students have been busy preparing for Community Day. The program will
be held on Friday, November 12 from 9:15-10:00. The presentation will include songs,
poems, and dialogue focused on curriculum learned in the Communities, Maps and
Geography social studies units. Following the student portion of the program, a career
showcase will be presented by parents and other community members. The showcase
will provide the children with a hands-on learning experience related to the many career
School Reports
6
November 18, 2010
possibilities. Second grade also participated in their first Seed to Snack presentation.
Students got to taste different varieties of locally grown lettuce. Next, a salad made of all
the lettuces was created and topped with a freshly made maple syrup balsamic salad
dressing. Recipes were given to all the children. We will have monthly Seed to Snack
presentations throughout the school year and will have the opportunity to use vegetables
from our own Media School garden.
Fair Trade
Third grade students took part in three different programs about Fair Trade. Media is the
first Fair Trade Town in America and has a coalition of business people and concerned
members of our community who support and promote Fair Trade. The first assembly was
a simulation of farming in South American, the second brought us Cecelia, a cocoa
farmer from Ghana, and the third was Drew Arata who came in to teach each class about
reverse Trick or Treating.
Publishing Parties
Each fifth grade class held a Publishing Party during which students shared a published
personal narrative and celebrated their accomplishments. Students will continue to build
on what they have learned about personal narratives, as we emphasize that writing is a
cumulative process. In science, fifth graders are exploring what makes weather on earth
occur. Experiments on the uneven cooling rates of soil and water and the effect they
have on weather gave them practice with the scientific method.
Race for Education
The Media PTG tried a new fundraiser this year, Race for Education. The culminating
event was a day where the students ran or walked on a course (Barrall Field) for an hour
to thank their sponsors. So far, Race for Education, has collected over $20,000.
UNICEF
Media students Trick or Treated for UNICEF again this year. The final tally is not in yet.
ROSE TREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
First Grade
November was a month of celebrations. The children in first grade published their pattern
books and as published authors, shared their stories with classmates. They had a feast
honoring the many cultures represented in first grade, tasting food from many countries
and enjoying traditional Thanksgiving celebrations. The first graders also hosted special
friends and families on Rose Tree’s school-wide visitation day. They read, wrote and
played math games together.
Third Grade
In the beginning of October, the third grade classes at Rose Tree Elementary had their
first visit from the "Seed to Snack" program through the Greener Partners Organization.
"Seed to Snack" is designed to help youth think about the origins of their food and to
expose them to foods that are grown seasonally and locally. "Seed to Snack" brings the
farm into the classroom and gives youth hands-on experiences with our local food
system.
During their visit, they demonstrated how to use local produce to make
School Reports
7
November 18, 2010
nutritious snacks and helped them make connections between the food they eat and their
personal wellness. The students had the opportunity to taste leafy greens such as
arugula, spinach, and leaf lettuce. They also learned how to make maple balsamic
vinaigrette! They are looking forward to the “Seed to Snack” program visit in November
and wonder what seasonal vegetables they will bring from the farm!
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL):
Children in the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program at Rose Tree
Elementary School have made good progress again this year. Although there are no nonEnglish speakers this year, there are a few ELLs. This has given Mrs. Roberts the
opportunity to do more push-in instruction to give greater support to some students who
have desperately needed it in the past.
Physical Education
In November, first and second grade finished working on locomotor movement skills
and practiced rolling, underhand and overhand throwing and catching. Third and fourth
grade focused on soccer and ball skills such as dribbling, passing, trapping, kicking and
shooting. They practiced skills for maintaining possession of the ball and strategies for
offense and defense. Fifth grade focused on football with skills such as carrying, running,
dodging, throwing, catching, passing and snapping. They also practiced skills for
maintaining possession of the ball and strategies for offense and defense.
SPRINGTON LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Art
Ms. Sycz’s Sixth graders have completed their Leaf Composition project. The sixth grade
students have begun a pottery unit which will explore the basics of clay and the element
of texture comparing and contrasting actual and implied texture in art. Students are in the
first stage learning basic handling, storage and safety when working with clay. Grade
seven students are in the final stages of their portrait drawing focusing upon the elements
of color and value. Students are exploring the use of colored pencil as an art material.
Finally, the eighth grade students are finishing and mounting their design projects for
display.
Mrs. Prior’s Sixth graders have been adding color and value to their perspective drawings
by using various rendering techniques with color pencil. Seventh graders have read about
color theory from their text and have chosen color schemes for their name projects.
Eighth graders have been learning about the Medieval art of illumination. They are now
planning their own illuminated manuscript pages to illustrate inspirational quotes.
Mrs. Going’s Sixth Grades have completed their first two assignments. The Elements of
Line, Shape, Color and value have been explored. Students feel secure with this
knowledge as we are now move on to Texture and space with African Tooled Metal
Repousse Masks. Seventh Grades have enjoyed a web trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico
where they enjoyed the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum while studying her paintings and her
theory about the importance of Color and Shape. Student paintings show abstraction and
fracturing and their new confidence using Color and Shape! They have now jumped into
an exercise on value! Eighth Grades have completed their first assignments focusing on
School Reports
8
November 18, 2010
twentieth century artists, Henri Matisse and Andy Warhol. Pop Art and Post
impressionism / Fauvism have been discussed and absorbed. An interview with the artist
was a new written exercise for students while they painted and worked in the fashion of
both artists. They are now going back in history to the Chinese Dynasty's and looking into
the ever popular Chinese Water Dragon
Math
The eighth grade CMP-2 students at Springton Lake Middle School completed
investigations in the Moving Straight Ahead book where they explored patterns of change
in linear relationships. The students learned how to use tables and graphs to solve
problems about linear relationships with equations in the form y = mx + b. In addition,
students learned to apply the properties of equality to solve equations with and without
symbols. Solving linear equations using the symbolic method was then compared and
contrasted with methods using a table or graph.
In Algebra I, we are finishing up on Chapter 3—Solving Equations. We worked on more
complicated equations where we needed to simplify the equation before solving. We are
going to be starting Chapter 4 which deals with linear equations where we will be dealing
with slope-intercept form.
Geometry students finished the first three chapters of the book. We are studying triangles
now. Students will classify triangles, find measures of angles of triangles, identify
congruent figures, and prove triangles congruent. They will also use theorems about
isosceles and equilateral triangles.
Students in seventh grade have been working on a unit titled Variables and Patterns.
This unit has developed the student’s ability to explore a variety of situations in which
changes occur. Students have explored these changes through looking at the dependant
and independent variables within tables and graphs. The students are now beginning to
write symbolic equations to represent the relationship among the variables within the
situations.
Students in the seventh grade accelerated class have been working on a unit titled
Looking for Pythagoras. This unit has developed the student’s ideas about the
Pythagorean Theorem and square roots. This was developed through the exploration of
finding distances between points on a coordinate grid and by drawing squares on the
sides of a right triangle. Through doing this, they learned that the positive square root of
a number is the side length of a square whose area is that number.
The sixth grade classes have been working on creating, analyzing and interpreting
various types of graphs. As a culminating project for the Data About Us unit, the sixth
graders will be using the candy they collected on Halloween as data. During the first week
of November, they will be displaying that data in an appropriate graph, analyzing the data
to make inferences about candy sales, supply and demand, and community assumptions
about children’s likes and dislikes. Finally we will use the information from the graphs to
discuss predictions about next year’s candy sales, and community assumptions around
Halloween.
School Reports
9
November 18, 2010
Music
The Eighth Grade Band at SLMS displayed their costumes and musicianship as they
performed with the Penncrest Band for the annual Media Halloween Parade. They will
also participate in upcoming Veteran’s Day activities at the courthouse in Media.
Speaking of performing, our concert rehearsals are in full swing! Please join us for any of
these concerts: Sixth Grade Band/Orchestra Winter Concert –December 1 – 7:30 PM at
SLMS. Seventh Grade Chorus and Select Chorus Winter Concert – December 7th – 7:30
PM at SLMS. Eighth Grade Chorus and Select Chorus Winter Concert – December 8th –
7:30 PM at SLMS. SLMS Orchestra and Honors Strings Winter Concert – December 13th
– 7:30 PM at SLMS. Sixth Grade Chorus and Choice Voices Winter Concert – December
15th – 7:30 PM at SLMS
Seventh Grade General Music has been “piping” along to “Chester” by William Billings,
one of our earliest composers, as they correlate with social studies and Americana.
Continuing an historical perspective, the Eighth Grade General Music Classes are
performing original chants and music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Science
Sixth grade science students are currently learning about cells. They will observe plant
and animal cells using the microscope to identify their parts and compare and contrast the
two. Students will dissect a virtual cell. They will also read about cells in the new science
textbook. Current electricity is the flow of electrons. This concept is explored in the
seventh grade science curriculum. Simple circuits are constructed using batteries,
switches, test leads, light bulbs, motors, and voltmeters. The students collect data based
on the strength of their batteries. This lays the foundation to more complex circuit
building. The eighth grade science department is experimentally determining the variables
which affect thermal expansion, and have written formulas to calculate the change in size,
and the new length of an object due to temperature change!
Social Studies
Sixth grade students have just completed their “climb” of Mt. Everest as a part of their
study of East Asian geography. The students have compared their simulated climbing
experiences with the real experiences of the climbers from the Imax film, Everest. As an
end product, the students are currently writing journal entries about their climbing
experiences applying the geographic and scientific concepts learned throughout the
activity.
Seventh grade students have recently finished studying the Constitution. Currently, the
students are learning about the Bill of Rights and its implications in today’s society.
Eighth grade students have been examining some Ancient Mesopotamian artifacts in
class from the University of Pennsylvania's Museum of Anthropology and Archeology.
The students have been very engaged in this activity and curious to see items made
4,500 years ago. The students have also had the opportunity to visit the American
Museum of Natural History in New York City and to see the musical Memphis at the
Shubert Theater. Follow up lessons in music and social studies classes have revealed
School Reports
10
November 18, 2010
that the trip has been motivational and has given students a richer background in history
and music.
Special Education
In sixth grade learning support language arts, the students listened to spooky music while
creating spooky poems, full of figurative language.
In seventh grade learning support language arts students drew pictures (but did NOT
include the student's name) of a Halloween Creature and wrote poems with literary
devices. Then the class hung all the pictures up and the kids read their poems and
guessed whose picture matches the poem. In the seventh grade learning support math
classroom, students are currently developing their mathematical habits through twodimensional measurement. Throughout the "Covering and Surrounding" unit, students
will learn the importance of measurement. Starting with basic rules for finding area and
perimeter of various shapes, this unit extends these skills to incorporate critical thinking
strategies.
The eighth grade learning support math students have learned how to use tables and
graphs to solve problems about linear relationships in the form y = mx + b. Students have
used an equation in this form to identify the dependent and independent variables, the
rate of change, and the y-intercept. Being able to apply this form to various equations,
students were able to match equations to graphs and tables showing data from specific
situations. In the eighth grade learning support language arts class, the students just
finished reading literature focusing on dramatic form. Next, we will read the novel "The
Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary Blackwood; this is used as an introduction to our unit on
Shakespeare. Also, the class will work on personal narratives this month focusing on an
important time in each student's life.
PENNCREST HIGH SCHOOL
Business Department News
The FBLA Regional Leadership Workshop was held at Widener University this month.
Nine area high schools attended with Penncrest bringing 36 students. The students
attended seminars by business professionals and college professors. Topics included
“Financial Literacy,” “Identity Theft,” “What it Takes to be a Business Major,” and “Four
keys to Successful Investing.” Also in November, four FBLA officers (Sean Hobson,
Robbie Marsden, Ricky Schultz and Tyler Piotti) attended the State Leadership Workshop
at Penn State University. Seminars on chapter management, fundraising,
entrepreneurship, marketing, finance and investing were presented. A personal note from
David Matthews, faculty sponsor: “In my ten years as adviser, this is the largest (110
members) and most enthusiastic chapter [of FBLA] Penncrest has ever produced. I look
forward to the competitive events next month.”
Music Department News
The Penncrest Roaring Lions Marching Band had a very busy month in November. Early
in the month, the band presented its Fall Concert. The event celebrated the music of the
marching season with a high-energy performance. The evening’s special guest emcee
was Mr. David Stango. The Roaring Lions Marching Band also represented Penncrest
School Reports
11
November 18, 2010
and the RTM School District in the Media Veterans Day parade this month. Finally,
congratulations go out to the Roaring Lions for being selected to perform in the Electric
Light Parade at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. This is the highest profile
performance Disney offers a marching band. Penncrest was selected through a national
application and audition process. The parade will take place Saturday, March 5, 2011.
World Language Department News
Twenty-nine students from Avignon, France were our guests this month. The French
students enjoyed staying with Penncrest host students and families. Over their two-week
stay, the French students visited Olde City Philadelphia, Lancaster, Washington D.C., the
Franklin Institute, and the Adventure Aquarium. The French students also had the
opportunity to attend classes with their American counterparts. A covered-dish dinner
was held in the PHS cafeteria to celebrate their visit. Completing the exchange,
Penncrest students will travel to Southern France in April 2011.
In other World Language news, French exchange coordinators, Tracy Jackson and
Kimberly Riviere recently presented a talk at the DCIU conference on World Languages
held at Strath Haven Middle School. The session highlighted the very successful RTM
exchange programs.
JV Show
The Class of 2012 presented its annual Junior Varity Show in November. This year's JV
Show theme was "You Make My Dreams Come True" by Hall and Oates. Over 140
students participated in the production, working on the show since the beginning of
September creating comedy, dance, musical, and magic acts. The JV Show is the
primary fundraiser for the Junior Class each year.
Trout Lake
One hundred, twenty-seven students, ten teachers, and two administrators journeyed to
Stroudsburg, PA for the annual Trout Lake Leadership Retreat this month. First
year attendees were trained in a variety of skills to enhance leadership ability while
returning students applied the skills from previous trips to create and plan service projects
for the Rose Tree Media community. The purpose of the retreat is to empower students
to return to Penncrest and enhance current programs, or create new programs, which
make Penncrest even better. This year, students and facilitators alike were challenged to
commit to a project to “kick it up to 212 degrees.”
Physics Olympics
Penncrest’s Physics Olympics Team won their first meet of the season this month. The
event, hosted at West Chester East High School, was a closely contested competition in
which the PHS team emerged with a narrow twenty-point lead overall. The team was well
captained by Sarah Bannan, Tyler Rybarczyk and Tim Weathers. Individual kudos go out
to event leaders: Dan Belk, Jin Jang, Barbara Munin, Matt Pesce, Taylor Race and Tom
Weathers. In a rare occurrence, Penncrest swept the Mousetrap Car building event.
Individual medal winners were: Ron Tyson (gold), Jack Fabris (silver), Pete Hanna and
Jack Klodarska (bronze). Becca Duross topped all contenders in the Egg Drop building
event with a gold medal as well. Of special note: Michael Hosier strongly competed in
both building events.
School Reports
12
November 18, 2010
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610-627-.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
Grace A. Eves
Director of Management Service
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D. Superintendent
From:
Grace A. Eves, Director of Management Services
Date:
November 5, 2010
Subject:
November 9, 2010 – 7:00 PM Finance Committee Minutes
Chairperson: Bill O’Donnell
______________________________________________________________________
In Attendance: Bill O’Donnell, John Hanna, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry,
Nancy Mackrides, Bill Montgomery, and Jeff Pettit
Also in Attendance: Denise Kerr and Karen Daugherty
____________________________________________________________________
1. Taxpayer request. The committee is waiting for additional information on a tax
matter.
Action: Discussion
2. Budget Comparison
The district has expensed 62% of its expenditures and has received 76% of its
revenue.
Action: Discussion
3. 2011/2012 Budget Calendar
In previous years, the district has followed the budget calendar in conjunction
with filing for exceptions. While the district filed for exceptions in the past two
years, they were not used to increase taxes above the Act 1 Index. The Board
gave the administration direction not to file for exceptions for the 2011/2012 fiscal
year. The Board will adopt a resolution at the January 27 Legislative Meeting
stating it will not raise taxes above the Act 1 Index.
Action: Discussion
4. Capital Reserve and Capital Project Funds
Capital Reserve and Capital Projects funds were reviewed. The Capital Reserve
fund has commitments assigned for the purchase of school busses, a technology
lease and improvements to the District’s technology infrastructure. The Capital
Project funds have commitments for current capital projects. $3.1 million is
available for future capital projects.
Action: Discussion
5. Mail Machine Proposals
Pitney Bowes and ITS Mailing Systems submitted lease proposals for postage
equipment. Both vendors participate in the state contract process. Pitney Bowes
provided the best cost savings for the District. They also provide pre-sorted first
class service, which provides a rate of .414 for a 1 ounce letter. The current cost
of a stamp is .44 for a one ounce letter. This will further reduce mail costs.
Action: This item will appear on the November 18 Legislative Agenda for
approval.
6. Policy 610 – Purchases Subject to Bid
Policy 610 was reviewed. The Secretary, or responsible administrator, is
authorized to advertise for bids in accordance with statutory procedures without
prior approval of the Board, but shall inform the Board of such action at the
meeting next following. Records shall be kept in sufficient detail to show that a
reasonable number of qualified vendors were invited to bid. The Board has
requested a procedure for notification of the purchase of an item, which is over
$10,000 when the purchase is to be made by state contract.
Action: Discussion
7. Policy 613 – Cooperative Purchasing
National Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement will provide
additional purchasing power for the district. This item will be sent to Tom Kelly for
his review. Follow up information will be available in the near future.
Action: Discussion
8.
Penncrest Acoustic Shell Bid Opening
Eight bid packages were sent to vendors. The district received two bids. The
lowest bid from Stageright is $13,200. The acoustic shell will be used at
Penncrest by all music departments and will enhance the acoustic environment.
The shell is portable and can be easily dismantled and stored.
Action: This item will appear on the November 18 Legislative Agenda for
approval.
9.
Public Comment
None
The next Finance Committee meeting will be held on December 7, 2010 at 7:45 p.m.
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610-627-.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
Grace A. Eves
Director of Management Services
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
___
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D. Superintendent
From:
Grace A. Eves, Director of Management Services
Date:
November 5, 2010
Subject:
November 9, 2010 - 8:00 PM - Operations Committee Minutes
Chairperson: Bill Montgomery
___________________________________________________________________
In Attendance: Bill Montgomery, John Hanna, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry,
Nancy Mackrides and Jeff Pettit
Also in Attendance: Dennis Cini, Ron Baldino, Karen Daugherty and Rick Gregg
_____________________________________________________________________
1.
Penn Fields - Plantings
Trees will be planted after Thanksgiving.
Action: Discussion
2.
Penncrest Stadium Seating
The Board approved seeking bids for a renovation project for Penncrest’s
stadium seating, stairs and handicap ramp, which was presented as Option 1 by
Architecture Furst at September’s Operations Committee meeting. Two alternate
items will become part of the bid, which include additional bleachers and plaza
improvements.
Action: Discussion
3.
Penncrest Weight Room
Current student athletes have access to the weight room at Penncrest under the
supervision of coaches during school breaks and sport seasons. Alumni are not
currently permitted to use the weight room. Rick Gregg will explore the option of
expanding the use of the weight room and report back to the committee in
January.
Action: Discussion
4.
2011/2012 Capital Projects Plan
Five capital projects were reviewed. They consist of masonry repairs to exterior
cafeteria walls and the replacement of hot water boilers for the kitchen and Girls’
locker room at Penncrest, the installation of athletic flooring, sewage upgrades
and boiler and associated equipment replacement for Glenwood. Dennis Cini will
contact Bonnett Associate for preparation of bid documents.
Action: Discussion
5.
Dennis Cini Proposal
Dennis Cini has provided owner’s representative services for capital
improvement projects for several years. His proposal for the 2011/2012 Capital
projects includes planning and design phase, bid/award phase, and
construction/close out phase services. His fee is not to exceed $91,080.
Action: This item will be moved to the November 18th Legislative Agenda for
approval.
6.
Change Orders
Recommend approval of Change Order 001 in the amount of $30,496.63 to E.R.
Stuebner for the supply and installation of additional structural steel for the new
server room floor and additional white boards in classrooms to accommodate the
new smart projectors for the Springton Lake Middle School Project.
Recommend approval of Change Order E-1 in the amount of $12,353 to Arose,
Inc. for the supply and installation of additional switches and hardware required
to allow the new master clock/ PA system to operate independently of the
network at Penncrest High School.
Action: This item will be moved to the November 18, Legislative Agenda for
approval.
7.
Springton Lake Middle School Update
Phase 1 is on schedule. Plans are underway for the necessary movement of
students and staff for Phase 2. The move should take place at the end of
December during winter break. D’Huy Engineering and Dr. Jeuell have held
informational meetings for students, staff and parents. A crane for the erection of
steel will arrive on site during the week of November 15.
Action: Discussion
Public Comment
None.
The next Operations Committee meeting will be on December 7, 2010, at 8:45 PM.
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610.627.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Anne D. Callahan
Director of Human Resources
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D., Superintendent
From:
Anne D. Callahan, Director of Human Resources
Date:
November 12, 2010
Subject:
Minutes of the Personnel Committee Meeting – November 4, 2010
Board Members in attendance: W. O’Donnell, J. Pettit, L. Fox, P. Barry, V.
Barbato, N. Fronduti, J. Hanna, N. Mackrides
Also in attendance: A. Callahan, D. Kerr, Grace Eves, one member of the public
I.
Review of Items for Legislative Meeting – Anne Callahan
The committee discussed the items for the November Legislative
Meeting of the Board of School Directors.
Mr. Hanna raised an issue about new teacher mentors for the current school
year. We discussed whether it was possible or feasible for our Teacher
Leader for Induction to provide mentor services to all of the new teachers
considering the smaller number of teachers hired this year. Mrs. Callahan
brought up contract issues and the need for mentors for long term substitutes
as well as contracted teachers. Dr. Kerr assured the committee that we will
be looking at all of these issues as we begin to prepare the budget for next
year.
II.
Class Size/Faculty Staffing
Mrs. Callahan presented the committee information on class size policies and
practices in districts in Delaware County, Chester County and several districts
outside of the state who are known for excellence. A community member
asked the committee to look at PSSA scores of classes as the class size
increased and decreased over the past three years. He particularly wanted
the administration and the committee to look at PSSA scores of the Media
Elementary third grade for the years 2007-2008, 2008-2009, and 2009-2010.
Dr. Kerr agreed to look at the data for that class. The committee will continue
to look at class size issues throughout the year.
III.
Request for One-on-One Instructional Assistant
Mrs. Callahan presented a request from the Special Education Department to
hire a one-on-one instructional assistant for a second grade special needs
student in the Development Primary Class at Indian Lane Elementary. The
student has multiple issues and has demonstrated a need for one-on-one
attention since enrolling at Indian Lane.
The Committee agreed to have this item placed on the agenda of the
Legislative Meeting of the Board of School Directors on November 18, 2010,
for a vote of the full Board.
IV.
Executive Session
An executive session was held to discuss matters of personnel.
The next meeting of the Personnel Committee will be held on Thursday,
December 2, 2010, at 7 PM in the Board Room at the Education Center.
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone 610.627.6028
Fax 610.565-5317
www.rtmsd.org
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Linda Bluebello, Ed.D.
Director of Pupil Services
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D., Superintendent
From:
Linda Bluebello, Ed.D.
Date:
November 5, 2010
Subject:
November 4, 2010 Pupil Services Committee Meeting Minutes
Chairperson: Mrs. Nancy Fronduti
Board Members in Attendance: Veronica Barbato, Jeff Pettit, Peter Barry, Nancy
Mackrides, Linda Fox, John Hanna, Nancy Fronduti, Bill O’Donnell
Others in Attendance: Dr. Denise Kerr, Dr. Linda Bluebello, Bonnie Kinsler, Phil
Quinzi, Karen Daugherty, Community member
Transportation Update
Bonnie Kinsler, Supervisor of Transportation, and Phil Quinzi, Transportation Garage
Supervisor, presented an update to the Board on a variety of topics including: features
of our newly purchased buses, uses of the donated bus to the fire department, the First
Time Riders’ program for new kindergarten students and their families, an overview of
current ridership, and a fuel consumption and parts to service cost analyses. The Board
also suggested that information regarding our new buses which feature the cleaner
exhaust emissions and fuel economy advantage be posted on the website for the
community.
Policy Review
Dr. Bluebello presented changes to Policy 218.1 –Weapons. Language was added to
clarify the definition of look-alike weapons and transfer students. The Discipline Code
was also reviewed and an addition made to disciplinary options in Level 2 offenses.
Action: Policy 218.1 will be on the November 2010 Legislative Agenda for first
read.
Overnight Trips
Dr. Bluebello presented the following overnight trips:
The Ski Club Ski Trip to Sugarbush, VT, will take place on January 14 – 16, 2011.
There estimated cost to the district is $204 which covers substitute teacher fees.
Action: Approval will be on the November 2010 Legislative Agenda.
Members of the Penncrest High School Boys Cross Country team will compete in the
Kevin Dare Invitational in State College, PA, on January 21-22, 2011. The approximate
cost to the district is $500, which covers registration, transportation, hotel and meals.
Action: Approval will be on the November 2010 Legislative Agenda.
Penncrest High School Cheerleaders will attend the UCA High School Cheerleading
Nationals in Orlando, FL, on February 11-12, 2011. The cost to the district will be $723,
which covers hotel, meals and airfare for the coaches, and transportation to and from
the airport.
Action: Approval will be on the November 2010 Legislative Agenda.
Members of the Penncrest High School Track & Field Team will compete in the Indoor
State Track & Field Championship in State College, PA, on February 26, 2011. The
approximate cost to the district is $500, which covers registration, transportation, hotel
and meals.
Action: Approval will be on the November 2010 Legislative Agenda.
The Penncrest High School Boy’s Varsity Lacrosse Team will attend the Boy’s Lacrosse
Varsity Scrimmage Play Day at Cape Henlopen High School, Lewes, DE, on March 1112, 2011. The approximate cost to the district is $300 which covers transportation.
Action: Approval will be on the November 2010 Legislative Agenda.
The World Languages Department is planning a German Immersion Weekend –
Deutschfest 2011 trip to Jamison, PA on March 18-19, 2011. The trip will accommodate
6 students. There is no cost to the district.
Action: Approval will be on the November 2010 Legislative Agenda.
Members of the Penncrest High School Track & Field Team will compete in the State
Track & Field Championship in State College, PA, on May 27-28, 2011. The
approximate cost to the district is $600, which covers registration, transportation, hotel
and meals.
Action: Approval will be on the November 2010 Legislative Agenda.
The next meeting of the Pupil Services committee will be Thursday, December 2, 2010,
at 8:00 p.m. at the Education Center.
OFFICE OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
TO:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Dr. Denise Kerr, Superintendent
FROM:
Dr. Angela Gilbert, Director of Teaching and Learning - Elementary
Dr. Steve Taylor, Director of Teaching and Learning - Secondary
DATE:
November 5, 2010
RE:
November 4, 2010 Teaching & Learning Committee Meeting Minutes
Chairperson: Mr. Jeff Pettit
Board Members in Attendance: Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry, Linda Fox, Nancy
Froduti, John Hannah, Nancy Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell, Jeff Pettit
RTMSD Personnel in Attendance: Pat Barta, Jim Ciccarelli, Anthony Lombardo,
Kathleen Maguire, Bob Malkovsky, Ed Somers, Karen Daugherty, Angela Gilbert, Denise
Kerr, Steve Taylor
Community Members in Attendance: Ed McLoughlin
Science Initiatives at the Secondary Level
Dr. Taylor and a trio of science teachers at the secondary level gave the Board an update
on the curriculum revision process going on in science.
Dr. Taylor provided a brief
overview of the goals of the curriculum revision process, and Mrs. Maguire, Mr. Somers,
and Mr. Ciccarelli presented specific examples of how new materials, including online
textbooks, ancillary materials, and web interfaces, are improving the quality of teaching and
learning from grade 6 to grade 12. The curriculum revision process in science will run
through Summer 2011. The teachers expressed their gratitude to the Board for its
provision of these excellent resources.
Update on Title I ARRA Expenditures
As a follow up to a Teaching and Learning Committee agenda item in October, Dr. Taylor
provided a brief overview on how Title I ARRA funds will be spent in 2010-2011.
Expenditures will include technology, such as a Smartboard, two laptop carts with
netbooks, playaways and other audio books; an annual maintenance fee for the online VLN
curriculum; and additional therapeutic services for students in the GATE program. Title I
ARRA funds may be expended to provide services only to students who qualify for eligibility
in the Title I program.
Update on Elwyn Expansion
Dr. Gilbert updated the Board on the expansion project underway at Elwyn. The first
student has been admitted to the Elwyn residential treatment program and has been
processed for educational services by Dr. Pat Barta. Student NB, whose home district is
Penn Delco, was previously enrolled at the Bancroft School. He has been accepted at the
Davidson School for the 2010-2011 school year. A second student will be enrolled in the
very near future.
Dr. Gilbert wanted the Board to know that this three county initiative (Delaware, Bucks and
Montgomery) to provide funding for cottage renovations at Elwyn in order to expand
specialized therapeutic services has come to fruition. She will continue to update the Board
as “the successful reintegration of children and adolescents with autism back into their
home and community” continues.
Proposal for the Support of Students in Alternative School Programs
Dr. Gilbert, in collaboration with Dr. Barta and Mrs. Horan, proposed that a per diem district
employee, with administrative and/or special education certification and/or background, be
designated as the Local Education Agent (LEA) for students placed in out-of-district
alternative school programs. The proposal was presented for review and consideration by
the Board. Dr. Gilbert explained that while it was written on a Program Development
Planning Form, it is not really new. However, utilizing the form afforded an opportunity to
address in detail some questions the Board might have about the proposal.
Dr. Gilbert acknowledged that the Board was not satisfied with the model of using retired
administrators to conduct out of district IEP meetings in the past. However, this proposal,
and any other options recommended by the Board, need to be examined as the demands
of out-of-district IEP meetings increase. While Dr. Gilbert and Dr. Barta have committed to
attend most of the meetings, assistance would be beneficial given the Elwyn Expansion
and the retirement of Mrs. Horan, who will have served as LEA more than fourteen times
between September and December. Dr. Gilbert asked that this topic be discussed at the
December Teaching and Learning Committee meeting and that a decision about how to
address the aforementioned needs be made at that time.
Settlement Agreement for AM
Dr. Gilbert presented the rationale and terms of a settlement agreement being proposed for
student AM. According to the special education attorney, if this student’s case is litigated, a
hearing officer could be persuaded to award compensatory education for this student in the
equivalent of all day/every day. Two years of an all day/every day compensatory education
liability could result in 1,800 hours of compensatory education. Valued at $75/hour as one
court has recently done, this could result in a $135,000 liability plus attorney’s fees that
could exceed $45,000 after a hearing. An additional $35,000 to $45,000 could be added to
the liability if the District lost its defense pertaining to the student’s IEP. The following terms
for a settlement agreement have been proposed:
• 2 years of partial tuition reimbursement at Delaware Valley Friends or other licensed
private school capped at $30,000 per year;
• 2 summers of ESY at $2,900 per summer;
• Attorneys fees of $3,500
• District will reevaluate in the spring of 2012 and offer an IEP by May 1, 2012
• District's offered IEP would be pendent as long as the District meets its deadline for
offering the IEP
• Total: $69,300
ACTION: A resolution to approve the settlement agreement for AM will appear on
the December Legislative agenda.
ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
PRESIDENTIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS – EXECUTIVE SESSION
“In accordance with the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, executive sessions of the
School Board were held on the following dates to review and discuss matters
permitted under Section 8 of the Act.”
October 28, 2010
November 4, 2010
November 8, 2010
November 9, 2010
November 18, 2010
There will be an executive session of the School Board for matters of personnel
at 6:30 p.m. prior to the Legislative Session of December 16, 2010, at Penncrest
High School. The Legislative meetings are recorded on tape.
Presidential Announcement
1
November 18, 2010
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
1.
2.
Nominations
a.
b.
IX. New Business
Harry Gambrill, Bus Driver, retirement effective
January 2, 2011.
Professional
1.
David Enterlin, Homebound Instructor for the 20102011 school year at the rate of $45.00 per hour.
NOTE: Mr. Enterlin is being hired pending completion
of his pre-employment paperwork.
2.
Jeanine Williamson, Homebound Instructor for the
2010-2011 school year at the rate of $45.00 per hour.
Non-Instructional
1.
Melissa Shelly, Substitute Cafeteria Worker, effective
October 26, 2010 at the rate of $10.34 per hour.
2.
Norma Neal, Substitute Cafeteria Worker, effective
October 27, 2010 at the rate of $10.34.
3.
Ruth Wigfield, Substitute Cafeteria Worker effective
November 3, 2010 at the rate of $10.34 per hour. Ms.
Wigfield is also employed as a Substitute Bus Aide.
4.
Susan Dunn, Substitute Cafeteria Worker, effective
November 11, 2010 a the rate of $10.34 per hour.
5.
Sharon Williams, Language Arts Teacher, Springton
Lake Middle School, will serve as a One-on-One
Personal Instructional Assistant for a student after
school at the rate of $15.40 per hour.
1
November 18, 2010
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
b.
Non-Instructional
6.
3.
General
a.
b.
c.
Classification Change
1.
Elaine Dougherty, from Cafeteria Trainee to
Substitute Cafeteria Cafeteria Worker effective
November 15, 2010 at the rate of $10.34 per hour.
2.
Melissa Shelly from Substitute Cafeteria Worker to
Cafeteria Trainee, effective November 1, 2010 at the
rate of $10.87 per hour. Ms. Shelly is assigned to
Media Elementary replacing Andrea Pedrick who was
reassigned.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
1.
Jacquelyn Grossi, requests extension of her unpaid
leave of absence through March 15, 2011.
2.
Laura Diksa requests an unpaid leave of absence for
the purpose of child rearing commencing March 30,
2011 through June 30, 2011.
3.
Christina Penning requests an extension of her
unpaid leave of absence through June 30, 2011 for
the purpose of child rearing.
Degree Advancement
1.
IX. New Business
Patricia Scepansky, Study Skills Teacher, Springton
Lake Middle School, will serve as a One-on-One
Personal Instructional Assistant for a student after
school at the rate of $15.40 per hour.
Carly Lloyd, degree advance to Permanent
Certificate/Step 6, $46,972.00, effective August 30,
2010.
2
November 18, 2010
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
c.
Degree Advancement
2.
d.
e.
Kathyrn Johnson, degree advance to Permanent
Certificate/Step 7, $47,382.00, effective August 30,
2010.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
1.
Rescind appointment of William Stack as Science
Building Coordinator, Springton Lake Middle School.
Mr. Stack served in the position effective August 30,
2010 through November 3, 2010 at a salary of
$682.88.
2.
Rescind appointment of Claire McGeehan as Building
Science Coordinator Media Elementary.
Supplemental Contracts
1.
Carley Dillon, New Teacher Mentor for the 2010-2011
school year at the annual salary of $1,136.00. Ms.
Dillon is assigned to Penncrest High School.
2.
Mary Ann Grassano, (.5) New Teacher Mentor for the
2010-2011 school year at the annual salary of
$596.00. Ms. Grassano is assigned to Springton Lake
Middle School.
3.
Recommend Board approval for the following
Springton Lake Middle School Personnel to serve as
Event Chaperones for the 2010-2011 school year at
the rate of $42.50 per event:
Margie Gilroy
Mark Nixon
4.
IX. New Business
Leslie Goldsmith
Dana Vellios, (.5) Student Ambassador Sponsor for
the 2010-2011 school year at the annual salary of
$639.00. Ms. Vellios is assigned to Glenwood
Elementary.
3
November 18, 2010
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
e.
IX. New Business
Supplemental Contracts
5.
Julie Denton, (.5) Student Ambassador Sponsor for
the 2010-2011 school year at the annual salary of
$639.00. Ms. Vellios is assigned to Glenwood
Elementary.
6.
Recommend Board approval for the Penncrest High
School Winter Athletic Supplemental Contracts for the
2010-2011 school year. See Attachment A
7.
Recommend Board approval for the Springton Lake
Middle School Winter Athletic Supplemental Contracts
for the 2010-2011 school year. See Attachment B
8.
Sharon Sweeney, Emanon Children’s Theatre
Sponsor for the 2010-2011 school year at the annual
salary of $2,197.00. Ms. Sweeney is assigned to
Penncrest High School.
9.
Eileen McIntyre, Chorus Sponsor for the 2010-2011
school year at the annual salary of $1,272.00. Ms
McIntyre is assigned to Rose Tree Elementary.
10,
Eileen McIntyre, Handchime Choir Sponsor for the
2010-2011 school year at the annual salary of
$1,136.00. Ms. McIntyre is assigned to Rose Tree
Elementary.
11.
Andrew Virtue, Acting Science Building Coordinator,
Springton Lake Middle School, effective November 4,
2010 through the end of the school year at a salary of
$2,188.92.
4
November 18, 2010
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
e.
Supplemental Contracts
12.
Recommend Board approval for the following Media
Elementary personnel to serve as Elementary Club
Sponsors for the 2010-2011 school year:
Susan Howe
Jacqueline Matusow
Jana Maxwell
Jana Maxwell
Patrick Murphy
Erin Scheivert
Christine Seeley
f.
Chess Club
Reading Olympics
Art Club
Gardening Club
HOME
LEGO Club
Game Club
$ 284.00
$ 568.00
$ 894.00
$ 852.00
$1,192.00
$ 568.00
$ 284.00
13.
Todd Brown, DVMSAC Coordinator 2010-2011 at the
annual salary of $2,960.00.
14.
Sue Williamson, (.5) Science Coordinator through the
the end of the first semester at the annual salary of
$1,590.00. Ms. Williamson is assigned to Media
Elementary.
Create New Position
1.
Personal Instructional Assistant – Support Staff II.
Recommend the Board approve the creation of an
additional Support Staff II – Personal Instructional
Assistant position to serve the needs of a 2nd grade
student in the Developmental Primary Program at
Indian Lane Elementary School.
IX. New Business
5
November 18, 2010
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips
1.
Penncrest High School Ski Club – Sugarbush, VT
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to Sugarbush,
VT, for the Penncrest High School Ski Club on January 14-16,
2011.
Background
The Penncrest High School Ski Club will take a trip to Sugarbush,
VT. The approximate cost to the district is $204, which covers
substitute teacher fees.
2.
Penncrest High School Boys’ Cross Country Team – Penn State
University
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to Penn State
University, State College, PA, for members of the Penncrest High
School Boys Cross Country team on January 21-22, 2011.
Background
Members of the Penncrest High School Boys Cross Country team
will compete in the Kevin Dare Invitational at Penn State University,
State College, PA. The cost to the district will be $500, which
covers registration, transportation, hotel and meals.
3.
Penncrest High School Cheerleaders – Orlando, FL
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to Orlando, FL,
for the Penncrest High School Cheerleaders on February 11-12,
2011.
Background
The Penncrest High School Cheerleaders will attend the UCA High
School Cheerleading Nationals in Orlando, FL. The approximate
cost to the district will be $723, which covers hotel, meals and
airfare for the coaches, and transportation to and from the airport.
IX. New Business
6
November 18, 2010
X.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips (cont’d)
4.
Penncrest High School Track & Field Team – Penn State University
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to Penn State
University, State College, PA, for the Penncrest High School Track
and Field team on February 26, 2011.
Background
Members of the Penncrest High School Track & Field team will
compete in the Indoor State Track & Field Championship at Penn
State University, State College, PA. The cost to the district will be
approximately $500, which covers registration, transportation, hotel
and meals.
5.
Penncrest High School Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Team – Lewes, DE
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to Lewes, DE,
for the Penncrest High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse team on
March 11-12, 2011.
Background
The Penncrest Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team will participate in the
Boys Lacrosse Varsity Scrimmage Play Day at Cape Henlopen
High School, Lewis, DE. The approximate cost to the district will be
$300, which covers transportation.
6.
World Languages German Immersion – Jamison, PA
Resolve, that the Board approve the German Immersion overnight
trip to Jamison, PA, on March 18-19, 2011.
Background
The World Language program is planning a German Immersion
Weekend - Deutschfest 2011 trip to Jamison, PA, for March 18-19,
2011. The trip will accommodate 6 students. There will be no cost
to the district for this trip.
IX. New Business
7
November 18, 2010
XI.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips (cont’d)
7.
Penncrest High School Track & Field Team – State College, PA
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to State College,
PA, on May 27-28, 2011.
Background
Members of the Penncrest High School Track & Field team will
compete in the State Track & Field Championship in State College,
PA, on May 27-28, 2011. The approximate cost to the district is
$600, which covers registration, transportation, hotel and meals.
C.
Policies
1.
Policy #218.1 Weapons – First Read - See Attachment C
Dr. Bluebello reviewed the first draft of Policy #218.1 – Weapons
with the Board. Some of the language in the policy was clarified
and minor revisions were made.
Background
Policy #218.1 – Weapons was discussed at the November 2010
Pupil Services Committee Meeting.
IX. New Business
8
November 18, 2010
X.
Finance
A.
APPENDIX X
Purchasing
1.
Mail Machine Proposals
Resolve, that the Board approve the proposal from Pitney
Bowes for a 60 month term lease at an annual rate of
$3,204.00.
Background
This was discussed at the November 9, 2010 Finance
Committee Meeting.
2.
Bid Award - Acoustical Music Shell - Penncrest
Recommend the following bid be awarded in the category
listed, such recommendation being the lowest bid received
from a responsible bidder, kind, quality and materials having
been considered.
Resolve, that the Board approve the proposal from
Stageright Corporation for the Acoustical Music Shell at
Penncrest High School, in an amount not to exceed
$13,200.00.
Background
This was discussed at the November 9, 2010 Finance
Committee Meeting.
B.
General
1.
Dennis Cini - Proposal for 2011- 2012 Capital Projects Plan
Resolve, that the Board approve Dennis Cini’s proposal for
professional services for the 2011-2012 Capital Project Plan,
in an amount not to exceed $91,080.
Background
This was discussed at the November 9, 2010 Finance
Committee Meeting.
X. Finance
1
November 18, 2010
X.
Finance
B.
APPENDIX X
General
2.
Change Orders
Change Orders are acted upon in accordance with Resolution
1997-98 – 124, as approved by the School Board of Directors
on April 23, 1998.
Resolve, that the Board approve the following change orders:
a.
Springton Lake Middle School
Recommend approval of Change Order 001 in the
amount of $30,496.63 to E.R. Stuebner for the supply
and installation of additional structural steel for the new
server room floor and additional white boards in
classrooms to accommodate the new Smart Projectors
for the Springton Lake Middle School Project.
b.
Penncrest High School
Recommend approval of Change Order E-1 in the
amount of $12,353 to Arose, Inc. for the supply and
installation of additional switches and hardware required
allow the new master clock/ PA system to operate
independently of the network at Penncrest High School.
Background
This was discussed at the November 9, 2010
Operations Committee Meeting.
X. Finance
2
November 18, 2010
X.
Finance
B.
APPENDIX X
General
3.
Settlement Agreement
Resolve, that the Board approve a settlement agreement with
the parents of AM to attend Delaware Valley Friends to receive
specialized instruction and services to address his unique
educational needs. The cost of the settlement is $69,300.
Background
Dr. Gilbert presented the rationale and terms of the settlement
agreement being proposed at the Teaching and Learning
Committee meeting on November 4, 2010. The special
education attorney for RTM and an attorney for the parents
have collaborated on the proposed agreement. Key points are
as follows: 2 years of partial tuition reimbursement at Delaware
Valley Friends or other licensed private school capped at
$30,000 per year, 2 summers of ESY at $2,900 per summer,
Attorneys fees of $3,500, District will reevaluate in the spring
of 2012 and offer an IEP by May 1, 2012, District's offered IEP
would be pendent as long as the District meets its deadline for
offering the IEP, Total: $69,300
X. Finance
3
November 18, 2010
11/11/2010
Attachment A
PENNCREST ATHLETIC SUPPLEMENTALS - WINTER
2010-2011
EXPERIENCE STEP
UNIT
RATE
UNITS
SUPPLEMENTAL
SALARY
BASKETBALL BOYS VARSITY COACH
BASKETBALL BOYS ASST COACH
BASKETBALL BOYS ASST COACH
BASKETBALL HEAD FRESH COACH
M. DOYLE
R. HIGGINS
J. RITTER
S. CHICANO
8
10+
6
5
3
4
2
2
159
169
149
149
44
31
31
27
$6,996.00
$5,239.00
$4,619.00
$4,023.00
BASKETBALL HEAD GIRLS COACH
BASKETBALL ASST GIRLS COACH
BASKETBALL ASST GIRLS COACH
BASKETBALL FRESH GIRLS COACH
L. MOSLEY
B. SAVISKI
K. RINALDI*
T. DURANT
5
2
1
10+
2
1
1
4
149
142
142
169
44
31
31
27
$6,556.00
$4,402.00
$4,402.00
$4,563.00
INDOOR TRACK BOYS HEAD COACH
INDOOR TRACK BOYS ASSISTANT
INDOOR TRACK GIRLS HEAD COACH
INDOOR TRACK GIRLS ASST COACH
G MUNRO
R. BROWN
M. CLARK
J. LOHN
10+
5
10+
10+
4
2
4
4
169
149
169
169
34
26
34
26
$5,746.00
$3,874.00
$5,746.00
$4,394.00
SWIMMING GIRLS HEAD COACH
SWIMMING BOYS HEADCOACH
DIVING COACH
T. WOOLERY
A. IKELER
M. SCHLEGEL
10+
6
10+
4
2
4
169
149
169
31
31
20
$5,239.00
$4,619.00
$3,380.00
WRESTLING HEAD COACH
WRESTLING ASST COACH
WRESTLING ASST COACH
G. JACOBS
P. CARNEY (.5)
W. MOWBRAY (.5)
6
2
3
2
1
1
149
142
142
44
15.5
15.5
$6,556.00
$2,201.00
$2,201.00
CHEERLEADING HEAD WINTER COACH
CHEERLEADING ASST WINTER COACH
CHEERLEADING FRESH WINTER COACH
K. BAILEY
A. HOFFMAN
K. LOMAS
3
6
1
1
2
1
142
149
142
23
19
19
$3,266.00
$2,831.00
$2,698.00
$93,551.00
* BEING HIRED PENDING COMPLETION OF PREEMPLOYMENT PAPERWORK
11/11/2010
Attachment B
SPRINGTON LAKE WINTER ATHLETIC SUPPLEMENTALS
2010-2011
EXPERIENCE
STEP
UNIT
RATE
UNITS
SUPPLEMENTAL
SALARY
BASKETBALL BOYS - 7TH GRADE
BASKETBALL BOYS - 8TH GRADE
W. CARR
A. VIRTUE
3
8
1
3
142
159
21
21
$2,982.00
$3,339.00
BASKETBALL GIRLS - 7TH GRADE
BASKETBALL GIRLS - 8TH GRADE
J. DIAZ
P. NORRIS
7
10
3
4
159
169
21
21
$3,339.00
$3,549.00
WRESTLING HEAD COACH
WRESTLING ASST COACH
D. PUCKETT
R. LAVOIE
10+
10
4
4
169
169
21
17
$3,549.00
$2,873.00
CHEERLEADING COACH WINTER
J. BLYTHE
3
1
142
18
$2,556.00
(21.30/hour)
No. 218.1
ROSE TREE MEDIA
SCHOOL DISTRICT
SECTION:
PUPILS
TITLE:
WEAPONS
ADOPTED:
December 19, 2002
REVISED:
218.1. WEAPONS
1. Purpose
The Board recognizes the importance of a safe school environment to the
educational process. Possession of weapons in the school environment is a threat to
the safety of students and staff and is prohibited by law.
2. Definitions
SC 1317.2
Weapon - the term shall include but not be limited to any knife, cutting instrument,
cutting tool, nunchaku stick, brass or metal knuckles, firearm, shotgun, rifle, bb or
pellet gun, look-alike gun, chemical agent, explosive device, and/or any other tool,
instrument or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury. The term
weapon shall also include items that are replicas or look-alike weapons, whether or
not actually capable of inflicting bodily injury and whether or not sold as toys, if the
item could by virtue of its appearance or the manner in which displayed cause
reasonable apprehension of bodily injury or a threat to a safe or orderly school
environment.
Possession - a student is in possession of a weapon when the weapon is found on the
person of the student; in the student's locker; under the student's control while s/he is
on school property, on property being used by the school, at any school function or
activity, at any school event held away from the school; or while the student is on
his/her way to or from school.
3. Authority
SC 1317.2
SC 1317.2
Pol. 233
The Board prohibits possession of weapons and replicas of weapons in any school
district building, on school property, at any school sponsored activity, and in any
public conveyance providing transportation to school or a school sponsored activity.
The school district shall expel for a period of not less than one (1) year any student
who violates this weapons policy. Such expulsion shall be given in conformance
with formal due process proceedings required by law. The Superintendent may
recommend discipline short of expulsion on a case-by-case basis.
Page 1 of 3
Formatted: Strikethrough
218.1. WEAPONS - Pg. 2
4. Delegation of
Responsibility
SC 1317.2
P.L. 91-230
20 U.S.C.
Sec. 1400 et seq
SC1317.2
In the case of a student with disabilities, the Superintendent shall take all necessary
steps to comply with the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act and other
applicable state and federal laws.
Deleted: n
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall report the discovery of any weapon
prohibited by this policy to the student's parents and to local law enforcement
officials.
Deleted: 4. Delegation of
Responsibility¶
SC 1317.2
SC 1317.2
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall report all incidents relating to
expulsions for possession of a weapon on school grounds to the Department of
Education.
SC 1303-A
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall take the necessary actions to develop a
memorandum of understanding with local law enforcement officials that sets forth
procedures to be followed when an incident occurs involving an act of violence or
possession of a weapon by any person on school property.
SC 1303-A
Acts of violence or possession of a weapon on school property in violation of this
policy shall be reported to the Office for Safe Schools on the required form twice per
year, as required. at least once a year.
Deleted: exceptional
Deleted: .
Formatted: Tabs: 0.2", Left +
1.5", Left
Deleted: ¶
¶
¶
Deleted: designated
Formatted: Strikethrough
Formatted: Not Strikethrough
Formatted: Strikethrough
5. Guidelines
SC 1317.2
Students and staff shall be informed concerning this policy at least annually.
An exception to this policy may be made by the Superintendent, who shall prescribe
special conditions or procedures to be followed.
Weapons under the control of law enforcement personnel are permitted.
SC 1317.2
Formatted: Underline
Transfer Students
When the school district receives a student who transfers from a public or private
school during an expulsion period for an offense involving a weapon, the district
may assign that student to an alternative assignment or may provide alternative
education, provided the assignment does not exceed the expulsion period.
Page 2 of 3
218.1. WEAPONS - Pg. 3
School Code
1303-A, 1317.2
Deleted: 1317.2
PA Code
Title 22
Sec. 403.1
18 U.S.C.
Sec. 921, 922
Deleted: ¶
Public Law¶
91-230¶
20 U.S.C.
Sec. 1400 et seq
20 U.S.C.
Sec. 7151
20 U.S.C.
Sec. 7114
Deleted: Act 26 of 1995 ¶
Board Policy
233
Page 3 of 3